Sustainability
"Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs." Bruntland Commission - 1987
The Anishinaabe and other Tribal Nations inhabiting this area, including the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, sustained their communities through a balanced relationship with the land, the river, and the lake for over 10,000 years. Now, under the direction of its residents and with the guidance of city leadership, The City of Duluth seeks to continue sustainable development - centering the needs of current residents, future generations, and the environment while in pursuit of economic prosperity.
Duluth's goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 50% by 2030 and reach carbon neutrality by 2050 will result in a more resilient Duluth, ready to tackle the effects of our changing climate and pollution. For more information on how we plan to make progress, see our Climate Action Work Plan.
Policy and Planning
At the final Sustainable Duluth workshop, we discussed how policies can influence pathways to sustainable action.
Sustainable Transportation
This month at the seventh Sustainable Duluth workshop, local experts from the community came together to discuss sustainable and accessible transportation.
Solar Energy
Over 40 attendees joined the fifth Sustainable Duluth workshop to explore solar energy, covering solar technology's evolution, installation processes, financing options, and community initiatives for advancing solar adoption.
Community Geothermal
The City was awarded a $700,000 grant from the Department of Energy for the design of a geothermal district energy system that would serve the commercial district of Lincoln Park!
Community Energy Resiliency
The City is working with community partners to understand how and where solar photovoltaics and battery storage should be deployed to strengthen community resiliency in the face of extreme weather events.
Renewing City Hall, Saving Energy
Duluth City Hall is in the process of receiving upgrades to increase safety and energy efficiency.
Past Stories
- Food Systems
- Funding Opportunities
- Clean Heat
- Cheryl Skafte, Parks and Grounds Maintenance Supervisor
- One City Supported by a 100-year-old system
- Solar in Duluth
- Duluth Natural Areas Program
- Minnesota GreenStep Cities Program
- Duluth Water Plant
- Planning for winter: a year-round job
- Lake Superior Stormwater Chalk Fest
- It's Electric
- A Month Without a Car
- Climate Change and Green Infrastructure in Duluth, Minnesota
- LED Lighting: Saving Energy, Carbon, and Costs
- City of Duluth Adopts Inaugural Climate Action Work Plan
- Earth Week
- Energy Conservation: Four Steps toward Savings!
- Community Energy Resiliency
- DPD E-Bike Story
- Electric Vehicles: Climate-friendly Fleet investments
- City Departments Advance Sustainablility
- Health, Equity and the Environment
- Sustainable Duluth: Waste
